Pysanky eggs created and photographed by Lisa DiStefano-Bauer. |
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If it's springtime, it's time for the Hammer-In!
We are all well aware that our normal springtime rituals have been a bit off these last two years, which makes this season even more special.
Here at Rivers of Steel, we are thrilled to be inviting folks down to the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop for the return of the Hammer-In Festival. A day full of festivities, this year's event is extra special, as it will also host a rededication ceremony!
Another special springtime event—St. Peter & St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church's annual pysanky sale. Occurring tomorrow morning, this local event celebrates a tradition Ukrainians and Ukrainian-Americans have practiced for centuries—the art of egg decoration as a symbol of spring. Don't miss this event or the story behind the tradition.
Speaking of not-to-miss events, local history and architecture buffs will be excited to learn about the two-dozen-plus public events included in the Society of Architectural Historians 2022 International Conference, which is happening in Pittsburgh from April 27 through May 1. Read this feature story by Jordan Snowden that details the events—and Rivers of Steel's part in it!
Happy spring!
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FEATURED PROGRAM
Hammer-In Festival
April 16, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop
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In normal times, the Hammer-In Festival occurs annually on the third Saturday in April and features live blacksmithing demonstrations, free tours, and an auction of iron artworks to benefit area blacksmiths, along with an aluminum pour by Rivers of Steel's metal arts crew!
We're excited to welcome folks back to this event, presented in partnership with the Pittsburgh Area Artist Blacksmiths Association and the Appalachian Blacksmiths Association after a two-year hiatus.
Also, you may recall that Rivers of Steel completed a decade-long, nearly $1.5 million restoration of the Machine Shop last fall. Join us as we celebrate all those who have helped to steward this National Historic Landmark over the last forty years!
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FEATURED ARTICLE
History, Function, & Artistry: Embracing Architecture
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Later this month architectural historians from across the globe will convene in Pittsburgh for five days for their annual conference. Luckily, for us locals, twenty-seven of their architectural tours and two talks are open to the public!
Read on to discover opportunities to learn about some of our region's most iconic places, including a special tour that pairs the Carrie Blast Furnaces with Mill 19.
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Cynthia Haluszczak of St. Peter & St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church shows the delicate work involved in creating a traditional pysanky egg.
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HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS
The Practice of Pysanky Eggs
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Just in time to promote their annual pysanky egg sale, which occurs tomorrow, the egg-makers from St. Peter & St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, sat down with Heritage Arts Coordinator Jon Engel to share the stories behind this tradition.
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PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM
Photo Safari
April 10, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
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The interplay of light and seasonality at the Carrie Furnaces offers endless perspectives of this industrial muse. Take inspiration from the wide vistas or the delicate details at this National Historic Landmark site. Choose your own adventure on this photo safari! |
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METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
Aluminum Casting Session
April 11, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
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Create a unique work of art from aluminum! Using everyday materials, you’ll create a one-sided design in resin-bonded sand—then watch as Rivers of Steel’s foundry crew casts your artwork from molten metal! |
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SPECIAL SEASONAL TOUR
Hardest Working River Tour
April 24 & 30, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Explorer Riverboat
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Join Rivers of Steel for a journey up the Monongahela River on the Explorer riverboat. Once known as the “Hardest Working River in the World,” the Mon, as it’s known to locals, was responsible for much of Pittsburgh’s early commercial and industrial success, even centuries before it earned that moniker.
Hop onboard for a three-hour tour that begins at the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers, then travels to destinations upriver, in view of the Carrie Blast Furnaces and Edgar Thompson Works, and back again. Along the way, you’ll not only hear the stories of our region’s commercial and industrial heritage, you’ll have an opportunity to leisurely enjoy incredible views of the Mon River Valley as spring takes hold.
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Help preserve our region’s industrial and cultural heritage! Your tax-deductible contribution will help ensure that Rivers of Steel can continue to offer vital, engaging, community-based arts, education, and heritage programs for the residents of southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond.
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